Building on a Legacy

The administration of President Keith McFarland initiated significant changes to the university’s footprint. Under McFarland’s guidance, the university implemented its first master plan in nearly 40 years. Dr. McFarland oversaw the construction of two new residential living and learning communities, the Morris Recreation Center, Cain Sports Complex, Agricultural Sciences Complex, and what is now known as the McFarland Science Building, named in his honor. The campus also experienced a significant beautification effort, the first such concentrated initiative to occur in many decades. In addition to the construction of new buildings, Dr. McFarland also was responsible for the demolition of more than 40 buildings as well as repurposing and remodeling existing buildings to support current university programs. These efforts continued under the direction of President Dan Jones. The Sam Rayburn Student Center, the Alumni Center, the Equine Center and the Music Building were completed during his administration as were two new dormitories, Pride Rock and Phase II. Dr. Jones also converted the university’s former print shop into the One Stop Shop to house the Registrar’s Office, Financial Services and other units within the Student Access and Success division. Memorial Stadium also underwent renovations, the most notable of which was the addition of new turf featuring a giant 50-yard Lion logo. Other athletic updates during the Jones administration included the addition of the John Cain Family Softball Complex for the university’s newly created softball team.